It's common knowledge that commercial flights are 'the safest form of transportation.' Considering that there are approximately 45,000 commercial flights every single day, air travel incidents are exceptionally rare, averaging at only 10 crashes per year (which is 0.0000653%). In comparison to other modes of transport, such as traveling by car or even by train, air travel is undoubtedly safer.
Statistically, your chances of being involved in a car/road accident are 1 in 95 (a reminder to take your car for an MOT), whereas your chances of being involved in a plane accident are an incredible 1 in 11 million.
Yet, despite these statistics, anxiety around flying is common for millions of people. Perhaps it's a fear of heights, paired with the idea of being contained in a large metal vehicle 30,000 ft in the air. Or maybe it's the apprehension of putting your life in an unknown pilot's hands for several hours. Whatever the reasoning behind the fear of air travel, hearing about plane crashes on the news only heightens these anxieties.
...there are few places you'll be safer than up in a plane
In 2024, there were 9 commercial plane accidents, with only 3 resulting in major casualties or fatalities. These fatal accidents occurred in Brazil, Kazakhstan and South Korea, with the latter being the deadliest plane incident of the year, and the worst in South Korean history.
These incidents happened in close succession, with the crashes in Kazakhstan and South Korea occurring over the Christmas period, just 4 days apart (which has a 3.9% probability of happening). This makes December 2024 one of the most deadly months for commercial aviation since 2018. Furthermore, with the recent crash in Washington DC also making front-page news, it's easy to understand why people are starting to become hesitant about air travel.
The proximity of these incidents might lead us to believe that air travel is becoming progressively more dangerous. In reality, it's simply unfortunate timing.
Maybe it's the fact that these accidents seemed preventable that makes me and so many others worried about the future of air travel. Whether facing a rogue bird or an unexpected military aircraft, commercial aeroplanes shouldn't fall from the sky. Though I remind myself in these moments of anxiety, there are few places you'll be safer than up in a plane.